Six-man rotation? Not so fast says Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider

While a six-man rotation is always a solution to open a season, and not a bad one at that, Blue Jays insider Mitch Bannon relayed a message from John Schneider which indicated that the team doesn't necessarily want to go with six starters. So what happens?

Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease are a good bet to go 1-2 in the rotation. Gausman especially has been the model of consistency during his time with Toronto. But here is where things could get interesting.

Prior to Toronto's reunion with Max Scherzer, the rest of the rotation lined up with some variation of Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, and Jose Berrios.

However, the future Hall of Famer's return has potentially changed that alignment.

If Scherzer is ready to go come opening day, he likely won't pitch out of the pen and slides into the number three of four spot in the rotation.

Theoretically, Berrios is the number six starter, but he is also proven commodity.

The Blue Jays could instead choose to Ponce, who has experience in a hybrid role, to the bullpen to begin the year, or Yesavage could be shifted there temporarily as a way to monitor his innings heading into his first full season.

Beyond that, the Blue Jays have Eric Lauer as the long man in the pen, ready to jump into the rotation at a moment's notice.

Additionally, Shane Bieber's return will further complicate a crowded field.

The Blue Jays still have time to explore their options. As the saying in baseball goes, these things have a way of sorting themselves out.

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